My Anxiety Disorder

Five daily activities to help manage severe stress and attain peace of mind.

We are not transparent. Our fears and struggles are hidden under the façade of confidence and nonchalance. An acquaintance once told me, “You’re the calmest, most relaxed person I’ve ever met!”

If she only knew! I thought to myself! I am the one who suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia and fatigue, racing thoughts and heart palpitations. I am the one who clutches the little bottle of pills hidden deep inside my pocket while I struggle to breathe deeply and take it easy.

My psychiatrist explained that anxiety is primarily due to a chemical imbalance in the brain involving a deficiency in the neurotransmitters which regulate mood. Many factors contribute to this imbalance but the main contributing factor is a history of abuse or trauma.

My personal nightmare began long before the divorce of my parents actually took place. Unfortunately, in my case, the stress did not end when my mother moved out with me and my five younger siblings. Child support was either minimal or non-existent and my mother had to work long hours in order to pay the bills. I was left alone, to care for my three brothers and two sisters. Aside from my tender age, my personality was ill suited for this task. My two dominant traits of sensitivity and perfectionism fought against each other inside me like two wildcats in an alley brawl.

I viewed my new role as with the responsibility of an adult, but the child inside me was frightened and insecure.

I viewed my new role as surrogate mother with the responsibility of an adult, but the child inside me was overwhelmed, frightened and insecure. I remember the butterflies in my stomach and the nausea that overcame me when the door clicked shut and I was left to finish dressing and feeding the kids and getting them and myself onto the school bus.

I remember literally standing on my head and making funny faces to get my little brother who is a picky eater to open his mouth and finish his egg salad sandwich. I remember scrubbing my little sisters pastel colored blouse with a toothbrush after she smeared ketchup on herself. No other blouse would do for her and cleanliness was a given. As the years went by things did get easier, but the scars remained.

Dating and marriage provided a short reprieve, but my background made me hope for a happily-ever-after that was not to be. When my children were born, the anxiety that I suffered as a child and adolescent resurfaced. I began the journey of motherhood wanting to be perfect in every way. I wanted to shield my children from any semblance of the pain which I had endured as a child and teenager. My husband, a shy and reserved person to begin with, did not know how to handle this overwrought person who his wife had become and withdrew emotionally. This of course only exacerbated the situation.

I still remember when it happened. One minute I was standing in my kitchen washing dishes, the next I was trying to get my breath. I began to shake all over. My heart was beating so hard I thought it was going to burst out of my chest. I was convinced that I was having a heart attack. I managed to run over to a neighbor who called 911. I was rushed to the hospital, an oxygen mask covering my face.

In the emergency room the doctor diagnosed me with panic disorder and urged me to seek professional help. I was also presented with a little yellow pill called Klonopin. Running from one therapist to another did provide me with some insight into the roots of my disorder and I was able to obtain a prescription of Klonopin, which I use on an as-needed basis. However, in the main, I was left to my own devices, as I struggled to cope with and overcome my disorder.

Although anxiety disorders are very common, I am not personally acquainted with any other sufferers. This should not surprise me, given the fact that most people have who have known me have been totally oblivious to my inner battle.

I want to share with you five daily activities that bring P.E.A.C.E. If you are also suffering from an anxiety disorder, it is my fervent hope that together, we can use the following ideas to work towards fulfillment and peace of mind.

P is for Prayer:

We don’t need phones computers or faxes. God is always available and waiting for our call.

This is how my conversations go. “Please God help me figure out how to get my children to eat the broccoli soup I so lovingly cooked. Please help me find my daughters shoe and by the way help her teacher have patience today when dealing with her “out of the box” personality! (She inherited that from me!)

After running from one therapist to another and discovering that no therapist can really understand me, I realized that only He who created me and my anxiety attacks can see into my heart and know my struggle. He helps me and cheers me on.

(By the way, if you want to talk to God in public, just wear your bluetooth.)

E is for Exercise:

Jog, walk or swim. Purchase gym equipment designed for your home. Get to know your body and figure out what time of day works best for you. Listen to music or find a companion to keep up your energy. Get those endorphins going. Your mental health will thank you.

A is for Acceptance:

The first step towards acceptance for me was letting go of that picture-perfect life that I had naively envisioned with myself as the picture-perfect mother and wife. I began working on accepting the “I’m okay, your okay” philosophy.

As I began to accept my husband’s limitations he felt less threatened and did not feel the need to withdraw. He was slowly able to express the feelings of guilt, confusion, and helplessness which had burdened him when he found himself unable to meet my emotional needs. He began looking for little ways to be supportive by speaking calmly and saying things like “What can I do for you?” or “How can I help?”

Accept the reality of any given situation, and then take action to improve your life. Do what you need to do in order to feel protected and safe. Light a lavender scented candle. Take a deep breathe. Relax.

C is for Chocolate:

Treat yourself. Lock yourself in a room with a chocolate bar and curl up with your favorite book.

(For all you calorie counters, here’s an alternative:)

C is for Consuming foods which make you Calm and happy

I once heard: A banana a day keeps the psychiatrist away. Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid, which converts to serotonin, a mood enhancing neurotransmitter. So buy a banana and enjoy. Here are a list of some other foods which contain tryptophan: Tomatoes, bananas, dark chocolate, milk, high quality eggs, nuts, yogurt, wild fish, turkey, cheese and meat.

E. is for Emotional Honesty:

Emotional honesty means getting in touch with your underlying feelings. Write, meditate or talk to an understanding therapist. In situations where you need to disclose that you have an anxiety disorder, be matter of fact. Don’t be defensive or apologetic. Be aware of your limitations, communicate them to others and work around them.

Although humans are not transparent, God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our every thought and action. He is aware of the tiniest annoyance to the darkest moments when we can’t seem to make sense of anything. For some of us the challenges seem daunting. That’s why we, perhaps more than others, need to remember that with His help we can, one day at a time, achieve peace and serenity.

About the Author

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 34

(28)
Anonymous,
November 28, 2013 10:59 AM

Conquering anxiety and panic

Recently I was able to consciously and deliberately conquer the familiar sensation of fear & panic that crept up. Simply because I was sick of it after two decades, and realized that I had the choice and the strength to shut it down when it crept up. And it did work ! I think I read the mental technique from one of Aish's article, so Thank you Aish.

(27)
Shira,
August 18, 2013 3:34 PM

support

I've been diagnosed with panic disorder and am in my early twenties. I'm on medication and speak to a good psychologist.Will this define my life?

Anonymous,
August 19, 2014 3:44 AM

No!

It's important to remember all the other aspects of yourself that you like. There is so much more to you than your panic disorder. And you're incredible for doing everything you can to help yourself.

(26)
Anonymous,
July 15, 2013 5:22 AM

Process....

This is so common and it's sad that we hide behind our pain. It's a process that never stops. There's a great book called Heart of the Soul and it's great because a lot of anxiety comes from fears, as mentioned and a lack of emotional intelligence. I am always anxious and really only Shabbat- Monday are decent days for me. I've been contemplating medication but really don't like having chemicals in my body. Sometimes a break is nice but I appreciate you sharing this article. There should be a whole section on mental health, especially with women.

(25)
Batya,
June 19, 2013 9:28 AM

its comforting to see that there are others out there dealing with the same anxiety as me and that they have managed to overcome it. both this article and the comment from (21) Anonymous have been really helpful-- I too feel as though I'm going crazy and like I'm separated from the world.

(24)
Anonymous,
October 3, 2012 5:17 AM

physical part of the healing

I have found that the body's resiliance, along with the spiritual angle, is very important. I found an excellent Korean acupuncturist, and I see that balancing and improving my physical system though the acupuncture is great. I heard theres a very good Jewish acupuncturist in Crown Heights, but I'm sure there are other ones very good in other places....however, do make sure you go on a solid recommendation. This was a very helpful article, wishing the best to the writing and the readers!

(23)
Anonymous,
October 3, 2012 3:08 AM

superb!!! thanks so much for this!!

SO MANY people suffer from anxiety, and yes, we'd never know. When i finally spoke about it with friends recently, i found that they finally took medication and that it had changed their lives - helping them to calm down and function. THANK G-D for coping mechanisms - and there are natural meds out there, too, i believe.

(22)
Ramona,
September 27, 2012 9:11 PM

stress no more

This article is so very interesting and motivating. The best stress reducer is "pray"...Hashem is always there for us, we must call on our heavenly Father for help when we are anxious and stressed out. I am in a huge change in my life and this article has truly shown me the light. Thank you.

(21)
Anonymous,
March 27, 2012 10:55 AM

Thoughts on how to recover - yes it is possible to recover completely

I suffered from anxiety for over 12 years and I know firsthand how crippling it can be. I would just like to add some further thoughts that I hope will help you and others. Firstly anxiety is a condition not an illness and however deep you are within yourself it can be completely reversed. The sad fact is that anxiety is one of the most misunderstood conditions especially by mental healthcare professionals. Many people spend years dealing with the symptoms (as I did) and never stop running.. They go from one therapist to another, looking for the magic cure, they fight from the moment they get up until they go to bed trying to think themselves out of this mess. The truth is there is no magic cure, anxiety did not come overnight nor will it go away instantaneously either. The key to overcoming anxiety is knowledge and understanding. Anxiety takes you more and more within yourself until you feel that you can no longer relate to the outside world (and you probably think you are going mad which I can happily tell you – you are not!!). What I would like you to do is to start working on reversing this. You need to give up the daily fight, by fighting you are putting your mind under so much unnecessary stress. Socialise, go to work and yes take anxiety with you. Don’t worry about how you feel, if you feel down then so be it. Don’t push off anything until “after you are better” when you do this you are giving anxiety respect that it doesn’t deserve. Overcoming anxiety is really about overcoming our fears – fear is the fuel that anxiety lives off. Fear is what creates the adrenalin and dreaded feelings that sweeps through are body. There are some fantastic websites that speak about this in much more depth here are 2 links: http://www.anxietynomore.co.uk/, http://www.panic-and-anxiety-attacks.com I have limited words so will have to stop here– you are not alone and you can recover completely – and yes prayer is an incredible tool too- Hatzlacha

jay,
September 24, 2012 5:16 PM

thanks!

your words were extremely helpful, thanks so much for sharing. It gives me hope to hear from someone that has overcome their anxiety. Wishing you and everyone continued health and success :)

(20)
mg,
March 23, 2012 8:24 PM

I know how it feels

Don't feel like you are alone. I have felt that so many times and it's so true you can't assume that everyone else is fine and you are the only one suffering. Anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders. I think as Jews we are prone to disorders such as anxiety and I think a lot of it not only stems back to our own pasts, but also to our collective past as a people suffering and dying at the hands of others. This has been a very deep revelation for me. I am still working on my own anxiety and it has been difficult because it impairs my ability to do what I need to do at times. What has helped me the most is who I choose to surround myself with. I am still working on dealing with those who I don't wish to deal with but have to in my life and how to accept those more difficult people while not having anxiety overcome me. It is a lifelong process and it helps to have supportive and loving people around you. You are not alone.

(19)
Anonymous,
March 23, 2012 4:03 AM

I highly recommend Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's book "Serenity". This book has helped me so much.

(18)
sarah,
March 22, 2012 2:11 PM

thanks

great article.do you know of support group for woman with PTSD?

(17)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2012 6:25 AM

soo painful

very good advice. i think acceptance goes a lot deeper though. in regards to anxiety i have felt that surrendering and "accepting" the "what ifs" the mind sends you can really calm you down, but that includes taking it all the way to the end, for example on a date: will be out of it, wont be so cool, and shell say no! cant do anything about it and its not in my hands! so.... but surrendering is only a tylenol which is temporary and sometimes wont work longterm because anxiety is just too powerful and can keep on coming back all day every day. Are you a high acheiver? well then one technique to help eliminate the anxiety is by learning how to give up on the things you really care about, to legitatly not pursue the things you want so badly. such as being the best mother- now you are commited to not being the best mother- that includes taking breaks, getting housekeeping help, babysitters galore, even not feeling guilty when getting angry at your kids once in a while. im not a women but i feel i understand the idea somewhat. my main problem is socially, i wanna be mr. kewl/perfect and constantly make everyone around me feel amazing about themselves which is righteous however i wonder how much of it is for real or because i wanna feel good about myself. i just dont know how to take breaks socially and not "perform". so undefined but i guess ill learn without having to take the pills as everyone around me says are such not a big deal. either way this is my take and my experience on the subject we all know intimitlely and wish it would just leave us alone. but overall i think we need anxiety. its our bodies response to telling us something hidden needs attention. hatslacha to everyone. p.s. im writing this at 2 24 in the morning as i cant sleep for i am too anxious.

Anonymous,
April 23, 2012 2:11 AM

anxious city!

Thank you for being open about your experience.I find it extremely comforting when I hear that others go through it too.It makes it much easier to accept and feel validated. I personally struggle being open and honest with my anxiety and think it makes it extra challenging trying to cope and deal with it.

(16)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2012 12:00 AM

Therapy

Thank you for sharing this article. As a therapist working wit h the frum community, I always find it helpful to read articles that mix prayer and therapy. This helps demonstrate to those in the frum community that seeking professional help is nothing to be ashamed of, rather it is something that is often necessary in order for one to move forward.

(15)
Jennifer,
March 20, 2012 3:14 AM

Anxiety and hypnosis

I also suffered from panic and anxiety. It would get so bad that I would rush to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack! I would wake up from a dead sleep and feel like someone was strangling me and my heart was going to jump out of my chest. This went on through my 20s and 30s. I knew I had some problems in my past -- a violent alcoholic father, a depressive mother, money struggles, etc., but the idea that they would cause such problems many yrs later? Bah! Then I went to see a hypnotherapist to overcome a habit that was bothering me. During my session the therapist asked me to go back in time to see when I began this habit and why. Long story short, 90 minutes later I was a new woman. The silly habit was nothing - I had reached back and in my mind's eye witnessed my younger self trying very hard to deal with the hand she had been dealt. I got to talk to her and tell her how things had turned out -- she had married a wonderful man and had 2 loving children. It would all be okay. Since then, and it has been a yr now, my anxiety is gone. My fear of crowds, my self-loathing, my high strung nature -- poof! If someone had told me this was possible I would not have believed it, but it has worked for me and I recommend it to anyone who wants to give it a try.

(14)
Anonymous,
March 19, 2012 5:00 PM

Your courage is inspirational!

Thank you for sharing your story. Your childhood was more challenging than any child deserved but you made it through with dignity. You reminded me that Prayer is the key for all of us. Much hazlachah to you!-

(13)
Anonymous,
March 19, 2012 4:15 PM

I've been there

Thank you so much for this important article.I'v suffered from panic attacks and ocd related symptoms since the age of 21.I can attest to the fact that the symptoms are are as real or perhaps worse than any acute physical pain.I fought and fought against taking medication to help me for over a decade until I was so paralyzed with anxiety there was simply no choice.Thank G-d with the daily use of a minimal level of an anti depressant(which is used for anxiety disorders as well) my condition is completely under control and I am able to focus on the bountiful gifts which surround me and to fully function as a loving devoted wife and mother.Unlike the protaganist in the article above I did not have a traumatic background.Anxiety disorders can be completely biochemical in nature which is certainly true in my case as several members of my extended family suffer from variations of it as well.It is no different from asthma or diabetes. The only difference is the organ in which the symptoms are originating from.In this case not the lungs or pancreas but the brain.The worst part of this disorder ,or any emotional disorder in fact, is the stigma and lack of understanding that surround it.Hopefully with articles such as the one above the general public will become more sensitive and understanding and stop regarding those with emotional issues as attention seeking hypochondiacs.The pain and anguish is real and no one should suffer needlessly.

(12)
Anonymous,
March 19, 2012 2:41 PM

Breathing

I would just like to confirm that the writer's trauma was mostly caused by childhood trauma. The medical profession is still in the dark when it comes to the cause(s) of anxiety.
Now, to add to this list: breathing! People who suffer from anxiety have a problem with their breathing. All of them do! To correct the anxiety disorder, they only need to focus on their breathing. They can do the following: 1. For a month do nothing but observe your breathing. You can do this on your tummy feeling the tummy go up and down. Make sure it is a sensation and not an idea in your head. Do not force anything. Or, you can observe the breath under your nose. You can start with couple of minutes and go up to 20 over time. Next time you feel slight anxiety, go to the breathing. Cognitively, do not be afraid of anxiety. It serves to warn us. But, like all emotions, when excessive, we have problems. Other then protecting us from harm, anxiety also tells us about what matters. Pretend that you are going to your boss' party. All the top brass will be there. You have to make an impression. Will you be anxious? Now, pretend it is another party, high end, but it has nothing to do with work and you don't know any of the people. And, you will be someone's guest. Will you be anxious? Again, we are anxious about what we care about. Anxiety is about the future. Go back to the present through the breathing. Keep practicing this through the breath and through knowing it.

(11)
Anonymous,
March 19, 2012 1:24 PM

I am another anxiety sufferer

Everything sounds like the right advice in this article and I do all of these things. My panic and depression comes and goes. It is a struggle of which I am always working on and I think I am making progress. I have never found a good therapist but do use the pills if I need to. People dont really understand but if you get low or worked up enough it can be a physical neccesity. I also allow myself to cry. Not to wallow in my feelings but to help me owe up to my feelings in order to be able to face them and work though them. The greatest help is my relationship with H" and emuna, but I find the exercise to also do wonders and while I am not a fan of chocolate, dressing up in a peppy outfit or (this is embarrassing) watching a great romance movie helps me to feel calm and optimistic. While it is not on this list, I find some long heart to heart discussions with my kids give me great pleasure as I dont want them to suffer from anxiety or depression like I have. Best of luck to the sufferer, may she(?) have full comfort and happiness soon.

(10)
Rachel,
March 19, 2012 1:21 PM

Peace formula wins to rx anytime!

Im dealing with anxiety for many years now, I recently got off klonipim and my dr called the withdrawl equal to a heroine addiction withdrawl. it was a nightmare of a month, but thank god I had a very supportive dr. klonipim is NOT a take as need rx. Its addicive properties cause u anxiety and panics to get u to take more medicine. I also found sipping water when I was anxious helped. Peace is a terrific acronym and way to remember what to do when panicking, ! Hazlocha to all

(9)
Anonymous,
March 19, 2012 7:37 AM

do not use food as an emotional crutch

Bad bad advice is to use food or alcohol to take off the edge many addictions start like that. The other stuff is great.

stacy,
March 19, 2012 4:29 PM

low blood sugar is often a factor in anxiety.

The idea of eating is not a bad one. Often people find comfort in different ways of taking care of themselves. (They don't say each everytime you are uncomfortable.) Also low blood sugar contributes to anxiety. I have found in teenage students that they often feel it at the same time each day. (And if they have a small snack around this time, they don't.)

(8)
Arlene Appelrouth,
March 19, 2012 2:51 AM

Add writing practice and meditation to your formula.

Prayer, exercise, acceptance, chocolate and emotional honesty. Great formula. One thing is missing - writing practice or journaling about the situation. Writing practice, as a spiritual practice, helps you understand the way you mind is working. In addition to prayer, I would add "meditation."

(7)
Stephanie,
March 19, 2012 12:43 AM

Astute

The PEACE Plan is a great idea. I think I'll remember it as PEACE Plan G (for gratitude, to remember that it is normal for the first plan not to work).
Thank you, I really needed a nice, organized remdinder of what I should be doing to help myself.

(6)
Anya,
March 18, 2012 8:56 PM

Mind over mind

Wassim, I am interested in what you were saying about Mind over Mind. Could you elaborate please?

(5)
rusureuwant2know,
March 18, 2012 5:30 PM

No chemical imbalance

The NIMH did studies in 1984 which have been confirmed since then - there is no chemical imbalance and drugs do not correct the purported imbalance - in fact, they create one. However, I would agree such symptoms are the result of trauma (I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress myself - although I refuse to call it a disorder - it is a natural response to extraordinary events); what we need to do is base our lives on fact, not fear - and it does improve over time. How we think shapes our brain (the majority of psychiatrists will not tell us this) As we change our thought patterns, our brains become rewired. The PEACE plan is a good one. Praying you are able to overcome the panic and stop taking the pills:)

Anonymous,
March 18, 2012 9:53 PM

In response to "No chemical imbalance"

Please continue to review the current findings regarding neuroscience, anxiety and other disorders, as well as how medication, when taken as prescribed, actually helps. Psychotropic medication ought to always be accompanied by therapeutic interventions aimed at resolving what is believed to be the root of the crisis. I agree with the additional comments you made; however, each person is unique. I applaud "Anonymous" for choosing to take very good care of herself.
Shalom to all~

David J. B.,
March 19, 2012 6:18 AM

??????????

Dear, are you sure; You cite a study done by,"NIMH",pardon my ignorance,but! who the heck are they?.....and it states,(the study),"no such thing as a chemical imbalence?....try telling that to a Woman,who is, two or three semester,into Her pregnancy!!....mmmmmm

(4)
Anonymous,
March 18, 2012 5:01 PM

Gratitude is THE attitude

Fine description and suggestions and adding conscious gratitude could help. it couldn't hurt!

(3)
Anonymous,
March 18, 2012 4:35 PM

Thank you

Thank you so much, I will definitely use this as I face my own challenges with anxiety.

(2)
Anonymous,
March 18, 2012 4:06 PM

Thank you!

Thank you for this amazing article!
I was recently told that I need to take anti- anxiety meds, and was really nervous b/c I hadn't heard of anyone who took it before.
This article really helped me.
Thank You!

(1)
Wassim,
March 18, 2012 1:38 PM

Health is easy to achieve

P.E.A.C.E is good advice... but there's more... :-)
There is a theory that posits that what happens to the body is reflected in the mind and vice versa. Sometimes treating the body doesn't treat the underlying cause in the mind, so the symptoms resurface later, maybe even in different parts of the body. Treating the mind, through counseling or psychotherapy, may work wonders. I believe in mind over matter, but even better than that is what I call "mind over mind". Wrestle with your mind, and then at the end of the day say "Ahhh... I've done my best today, God please help me to have a better day tomorrow" then go to sleep. It works for me.

My nephew is having his bar mitzvah and I am thinking of a gift. In the old days, the gift of choice was a fountain pen, then a Walkman, and today an iPod. But I want to get him something special. What do you suggest?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Since this event celebrates the young person becoming obligated in the commandments, the most appropriate gift is, naturally, one that gives a deeper understanding of the Jewish heritage and enables one to better perform the mitzvot! (An iPod, s/he can get anytime.)

With that in mind, my favorite gift idea is a tzedakah (charity) box. Every Jew should have a tzedakah box in his home, so he can drop in change on a regular basis. The money can then be given to support a Jewish school or institution -- in your home town or in Israel (every Jews’ “home town”). There are beautiful tzedakah boxes made of wood and silver, and you can see a selection here.

For boys, a really beautiful gift is a pair of tefillin, the black leather boxes which contain parchments of Torah verses, worn on the bicep and the head. Owning a pair of Tefillin (and wearing them!) is an important part of Jewish identity. But since they are expensive (about $400), not every Bar Mitzvah boy has a pair. To make sure you get kosher Tefillin, see here.

In 1944, the Nazis perpetrated the Children's Action in the Kovno Ghetto. That day and the next, German soldiers conducted house-to-house searches to round up all children under age 12 (and adults over 55) -- and sent them to their deaths at Fort IX. Eventually, the Germans blew up every house with grenades and dynamite, on suspicion that Jews might be in hiding in underground bunkers. They then poured gasoline over much of the former ghetto and incinerated it. Of the 37,000 Jews in Kovno before the Holocaust, less than 10 percent survived. One of the survivors was Rabbi Ephraim Oshri, who later published a stirring collection of rabbinical responsa, detailing his life-and-death decisions during the Holocaust. Also on this date, in 1937, American Jews held a massive anti-Nazi rally in New York City's Madison Square Garden.

In a letter to someone who found it difficult to study Torah, the 20th century sage the Chazon Ish wrote:

"Some people find it hard to be diligent in their Torah studies. But the difficulty persists only for a short while - if the person sincerely resolves to submerge himself in his studies. Very quickly the feelings of difficulty will go away and he will find that there is no worldly pleasure that can compare with the pleasure of studying Torah diligently."

Although actions generally have much greater impact than thoughts, thoughts may have a more serious effect in several areas.

The distance that our hands can reach is quite limited. The ears can hear from a much greater distance, and the reach of the eye is much farther yet. Thought, however, is virtually limitless in its reach. We can think of objects millions of light years away, and so we have a much greater selection of improper thoughts than of improper actions.

Thought also lacks the restraints that can deter actions. One may refrain from an improper act for fear of punishment or because of social disapproval, but the privacy of thought places it beyond these restraints.

Furthermore, thoughts create attitudes and mindsets. An improper action creates a certain amount of damage, but an improper mindset can create a multitude of improper actions. Finally, an improper mindset can numb our conscience and render us less sensitive to the effects of our actions. We therefore do not feel the guilt that would otherwise come from doing an improper act.

We may not be able to avoid the occurrence of improper impulses, but we should promptly reject them and not permit them to dwell in our mind.

Today I shall...

make special effort to avoid harboring improper thoughts.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...